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FAW submits bid to host Euro 2020 matches in Wales

THE Football Association of Wales has confirmed that it has submitted a bid for Cardiff to be chosen as one of the 13 host cities for Euro 2020.

The capital's 74,154 capacity Millennium Stadium - an award winning UEFA category 5 stadium - is at the heart of the FAW’s bid to secure a package of matches consisting of three group games plus either a last 16 or a quarter-final match.

The FAW’s bid has the full support of a host of key stakeholders including the Welsh government, Cardiff Council, the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff and Bristol Airports, and the key rail and bus operators.

Jonathan Ford, chief executive of the FAW said: “The FAW is thrilled to submit its UEFA EURO 2020 bid and we believe that we have a strong and compelling proposition.

"The Millennium Stadium, with a capacity of almost 75,000 as well as 100 hospitality boxes, would generate a significant financial contribution for UEFA."

Ford added that legacy is an important focus of the bid plans, saying: “In order to help ensure a lasting positive impact from hosting this prestigious tournament, the FAW will create a UEFA EURO 2020 Legacy Fund, into which the FAW will reinvest the surplus it generates from staging UEFA EURO 2020.

"This legacy fund will be used to support grass roots Welsh football and will have a positive impact on communities throughout Wales.”

Welsh international and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale is backing the bid, adding: “This could be the beginning of a great period for Welsh international football. I believe we have a real opportunity of qualifying for the 2016 European Championship Finals in France. It would then be an unbelievable experience to play in the 2020 European Championship finals in my home city of Cardiff.

“I have been fortunate to play in some of the world’s greatest stadia but nothing matches the atmosphere and passion generated by the Millennium Stadium.

"These are exciting times for Welsh football and I’m really proud to offer my full support to the FAW’s UEFA EURO 2020 bid.”

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